Man Utd given huge asking price for top defensive target

Carlo Garganese

• Updated: 3 May 2023 13:22 BST
• 3 min read

Ajax have told Manchester United how much they will have to pay in order to sign Jurrien Timber this summer.

According to Sky Germany, Ajax have made it clear that they will not accept less than €50 million in order to sell their star centre back.

The Dutch giants would prefer to keep Timber but will allow him to leave if their valuation is met.

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The 21-year-old is understood to be Man Utd’s top centre back target this summer.

The Red Devils are likely to strengthen this area as Harry Maguire is set to leave after a second disastrous season at the club.

Maguire wants to find a new club in order to retain his England place ahead of Euro 2024, having fallen to fifth in the pecking order at Old Trafford.

If he does leave, then United will sign a replacement.

Man Utd move again for Timber?

Man Utd’s initial target at centre back ahead of the 2022-23 season was Timber.

However, a transfer didn’t materialise for a couple of reasons.

First of all, Ajax were reluctant to sell and, secondly, the player himself was not convinced that he was ready for the move.

Indeed, Timber decided that it would be better for him to develop in Amsterdam for another year.

As a result, Timber stayed at Ajax and United moved to sign his teammate Lisandro Martinez instead.

But Man Utd manager Erik ten Hag - formerly of Ajax, of course - remains a big fan of Timber and could come back in for him again this summer.

Timber has made 43 appearances for Ajax this season, while he has been capped 15 times by Netherlands.